This specification provides the definition of the Order status report message (OSTRPT) to be used in Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) between trading partners involved in administration, commerce and transport.

A message between a buyer or buyer's agent and a seller or seller's agent reporting status information on the current status of a previously sent order(s). This may be a reply to an order status enquiry or a report as agreed between the partners.

The Order status report message may be used for both national and international applications. It is based on universal practice related to administration, commerce and transport, and is not dependent on the type of business or industry.

The status can not trigger any action by the receiver of the message. For example, if the status is 'ready for shipment', it can not be used as a despatch advice information. A DESADV message, or an equivalent document, has to be sent as well.

This section should be read in conjunction with the segment table which indicates mandatory, conditional and repeating requirements.

The following guidelines and principles apply to the whole message and are intended to facilitate the understanding and implementation of the message:

All specified dates/times should be in the format 'ccyymmdd'/'hhmm' unless all parties involved in the transaction agree that there is a functional requirement for an alternative format. Periods should be specified as whole numbers representing the required period as indicated in the format qualifier (weeks, months, etc.)

Where a choice of code or text is given only the code element should be used wherever possible.

Conditional data that is required in the message should be omitted.

Care must be taken that the segment qualifier in dependent segments does not conflict with the segment qualifier of the trigger segment of a group.

Free text information within the message should be avoided as this inhibits automatic processing.

A segment for free text information, in coded or clear form, used when additional information is needed but cannot be accommodated within other segments. In computer to computer exchanges such text will normally require the receiver to process this segment manually.

A segment identifying names and addresses of the parties, in coded or clear form, and their functions relevant to the message. Identification of the sender (normally the seller) is mandatory for a report. It is recommended that where possible only the coded form of the party ID should be specified.

A segment enabling the physical measurements of the ordered item to be specified where this is required for full identification of the product. Any measurements must refer to the product in its unpacked form e.g. thickness of plastic film, length, weight, etc.

A segment with free text information, in coded or clear form, used when additional information is needed but cannot be accommodated within other segments. In computer to computer exchanges such text will normally require the receiver to process this segment manually.

A segment identifying names and addresses of parties, in coded or clear form, and their functions relevant to the item being queried. It is recommended that where possible only the coded form of the party ID should be specified. e.g. the buyer and seller are known to each other, thus only the coded ID is required, but the consignee or delivery address may vary and would have to be clearly specified, preferably in structured format.

A segment to define fixed information regarding equipment to be used in conjunction with the line item being queried, and if required, to indicate responsibility for supply of the equipment e.g. a container identification.